Oct. 14
Richardson, Texas
Scott Pilgrim reports:
A HUGE “Thank you” goes out to all who participated at the third annual North Texas Hickory Open. We had another very special time together, and some challenging golf.
The event was made possible by Johnny and Natalie Beach and the volunteers from the Garland Sports Hall of Fame, and some very generous sponsors: Doug Armstrong/Jacobs Group, Gary Krupkin, Michel Gibson/Michel’s Aviation, Michael Sloan, Jim Conine, Richard Brown, Blair Philip, and John Wilbanks. We were very blessed to award beautiful trophies, framed/matted artwork, provide all meals (great dinners!), and lots of raffle prizes.
For the second year in a row, we were greeted in the opening round with cold windy weather and some spitting rain. But also for the second year in a row, day two was fabulous. Almost 20 players were there for the Thursday evening putting contest, won by Jonathan Pilgrim (Jones print) with a 4-under score of 32.
In the Scramble division, the team of Gary Krupkin, Michael Sloan, Rives McBee, and Corey Miller (Rives’ grandson) edged out Bob Gardenhire, Bill Cowell, Bill Reed, and Kelly Reed Griffith (Bill’s daughter) in a scorecard playoff.
In the 70+ year old Statesman division, Phil Farr edged Peter Herrington to defend last year’s title with a fine second round of 78 for a 169 two-day total. The 60-69 year old Senior division saw a great battle between winner Ken Jackson at 162 over David Cook (author and producer of the book/movie Seven Days in Utopia) at 163. This was David’s very first hickory tournament, so you will certainly be hearing much more about his fine golf game.
With gusts to 30 mph on Friday, only three players in the field were able to card scores in the 80s – Ken, David, and eventual Tournament Champion in the 59 & under OPEN division – Jonathan Pilgrim (Golf Hall of Fame print). Jonathan added an excellent round of 76 on Saturday for a 162 total and his first hickory title. Awards were presented by tournament co-host, Johnny Beach.
A special thanks to Jeremy Wright and Louisville Golf for their support and the fine hickory spoon given away at the raffle, which was won by Jeremy’s dear friend Michael Sloan. And worth mentioning, Jeremy was the Tournament Champion of the inaugural North Texas Hickory Open in 2017.
Thank you again to EVERYONE involved in the North Texas Hickory Open. We are tentatively scheduled for Oct. 15-17, 2020 and will solidify that third weekend for years to come. Mark your calendars now and plan to play in this great event.
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- Tournament co-host Johnny Beach presented awards. Here, Jonathan Pilgrim, right, holds a print he won at the putting contest.
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- Phil Farr, left, was the Statesman Division champion.
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- David Cook, right, was second in the Senior Division.
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- Ken Jackson, right, won the Senior Division by just one stroke over David Cook.
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- Michael Sloan’s kilted fashion statement.
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- Gary Krupkin wearing his “Midas” plus-fours.
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- Peter Herrington always brings his best, even posing for the camera.
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- Jonathan Pilgrim, right, with his dad, Scott, was the 2019 Open Division champion.
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- The scramble team of Michael Sloan, Gary Krupkin, Corey Miller and Rives McBee took the day.
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- The scramble team of Bob Gardenhire, Bill Cowell, Kelly Reed Griffith and Bill Reed were defeated only by a scorecard playoff.